I've only been an invitee for three days now, but I've already finished nearly half of what is supposed to be done "within the first 30 days." I guess you could say I'm an overachiever. I also really want to get all of this done as soon as possible so that I can just focus on my summer job. It's been great to get to know people, but if I just had a day to sit and finish all of this stuff, I would be much more relaxed. Hopefully I'll be able to get it all done here soon and spend some quality time with my camp family.
So what have I been doing? Well to begin with, the "classes" I have to do are finished. They were about the core expectations of Peace Corps and a preview of safety. I've also been making hard decisions about life insurance, whether I want a press release, among other things. I'm still waiting on my legal kit, which should be sent to me soon, and on medical clearances to be sent to me. I already know for medical clearances, though, that I'm just going to be making appointments during my break week. It'll be lovely!
Showing posts with label application process. Show all posts
Showing posts with label application process. Show all posts
Sunday, May 24, 2015
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Passport and Visa Applications
This is my second view of the annoying process that can be doing things for Peace Corps. I really should have looked at the information for submitting my passport and visa applications yesterday, but I was so excited about telling everyone that I just couldn't! Pretty soon after I woke up, I started on the applications. Two hours later, I had two applications for passports (I'm choosing to have a personal passport as well as my PC passport.) and a visa application in hand. I headed to the post office, only to be told the guy I needed to talk to was at lunch, so I would have to wait. When he got back, I had to listen to him say MULTIPLE times that he had never heard of a such thing as a shortened passport, a PC passport, how confused he was, etc. Finally he got over that and just processed my applications. He wasn't too happy when he had to give me my PC passport application back in a sealed envelope, but it's all fine. Then when I got home, I realized I couldn't take my PC passport to the UPS store in town because, well, it closed a year or so ago. After a mini-freak-out, my wonderful father offered to take it to the UPS store for me. So now I have both my passport applications on their way!!
I GOT A FREAKING INVITATION OMGOMGOMGOMGOMG!!!!!!!
To say today has been interesting would be the understatement of the year. My plan for today was to spend the entire afternoon and probably evening packing for my summer job, as I leave tomorrow. Everything changed when I woke up this morning with emails. My heart began racing, just like it has multiple times every day since April 2. The first email was a response to an email I've had going with Peace Corps: Uganda since early March. In the preview for the email, however, I could see the word "invitation." My heart skipped a beat. A couple of emails down, my official invitation!! I RAN up the stairs (I had spent the night at a friend's house.), and told my other friend who was actually awake. Then I called my mom, then my dad, and began the process of telling EVERYONE.
What does this actually mean in the long run? I now get to begin another hurry-up-and-wait cycle that is medical and legal clearances. During this time, I will be working on "classes" to prepare for service and doing things like applying for my passport. Once those are through, I can depart for training on November 9. We will begin with staging, meeting in the US, and then our entire training group will continue to Uganda on November 11. From there, Pre-Service Training begins. I will spend time with a host family, learn a new language, learn all about Ugandan culture, and most importantly, learn how to be a Teacher Trainer. I will essentially be a teacher's college professor in Uganda, a position I'm am equally excited for and intimidated by. My service will officially begin January 22, 2016, and end January 21, 2018.
I may post more details about my job description in another post, but I still need to wade through all of this information...and pack more!!
What does this actually mean in the long run? I now get to begin another hurry-up-and-wait cycle that is medical and legal clearances. During this time, I will be working on "classes" to prepare for service and doing things like applying for my passport. Once those are through, I can depart for training on November 9. We will begin with staging, meeting in the US, and then our entire training group will continue to Uganda on November 11. From there, Pre-Service Training begins. I will spend time with a host family, learn a new language, learn all about Ugandan culture, and most importantly, learn how to be a Teacher Trainer. I will essentially be a teacher's college professor in Uganda, a position I'm am equally excited for and intimidated by. My service will officially begin January 22, 2016, and end January 21, 2018.
I may post more details about my job description in another post, but I still need to wade through all of this information...and pack more!!
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Invite Season
Up until this week, invite season has been a piece of cake. Sure, I knew that I could get life-changing news at any time until June 1, but June is so far from now! I joined a PC/Uganda Facebook group which has been insanely helpful in the restlessness that comes with waiting, and it has also been a great place for updates. That's how I found out that our PO said she wouldn't be sending out invites until the end of April. To me, that meant the beginning of May. Like, after classes are over, beginning of May. (I've dealt with POs and sending invites out before, so I know they are more likely to come later than expected, not sooner.)
Then on Tuesday, one of the group members posted that invites are officially going out. Probably due to a combination of sleeplessness and stress, I basically freaked out. I was scared that I wouldn't be invite while simultaneously being scared that I would be invited, and all the while I'm trying to figure out exactly how I feel about this. I've been worried that if I do get an invite that I'm going to have issue with medical clearances because of my summer job and the inaccessibility to the proper medical professionals to fill the forms out. Now this decision is suddenly imminent. I no longer had a few days to be done with my classes (and thus, a large amount of the stress in my life) before I had to worry about it.
Well, I still have time to get over all of that it would seem. As far as we can tell, the only invites that have gone out (all two that we know of) have been for Teacher Trainers. I don't think I am qualified for this position, so MY invitation (or rejection..) would not be coming...imminently. I can wrap things up at Truman before I lose my mind to the refreshing of my email and checking the portal twice or three times a day. ...Okay I'm already doing that. Regardless, I feel better about the fact that it's invitation season because I may not get my invitation just yet.
Then on Tuesday, one of the group members posted that invites are officially going out. Probably due to a combination of sleeplessness and stress, I basically freaked out. I was scared that I wouldn't be invite while simultaneously being scared that I would be invited, and all the while I'm trying to figure out exactly how I feel about this. I've been worried that if I do get an invite that I'm going to have issue with medical clearances because of my summer job and the inaccessibility to the proper medical professionals to fill the forms out. Now this decision is suddenly imminent. I no longer had a few days to be done with my classes (and thus, a large amount of the stress in my life) before I had to worry about it.
Well, I still have time to get over all of that it would seem. As far as we can tell, the only invites that have gone out (all two that we know of) have been for Teacher Trainers. I don't think I am qualified for this position, so MY invitation (or rejection..) would not be coming...imminently. I can wrap things up at Truman before I lose my mind to the refreshing of my email and checking the portal twice or three times a day. ...Okay I'm already doing that. Regardless, I feel better about the fact that it's invitation season because I may not get my invitation just yet.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
New Information about UGANDA
So I was browsing the Peace Corps' website to see if my program has a "Know By" date yet, and I found out it's June 1. That's not as early as I would have liked, but it's better than the June 15 I was expecting. I'm super excited, though, because I found SO MUCH NEW INFORMATION about the program! I'm going to copy and paste it below just in case the link decides to die sometime in the future.
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As part of the Primary Literacy Project, Volunteers choose to serve as either a Teacher Trainer or a Literacy Specialist. While both roles utilize approaches to capacity building that include model and co-teaching, assessment, and engagement in national level literacy initiatives, such as National Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) Day, the My Language Spelling Bee or Literacy Month, there are distinct differences in the day to day job activities.
Teacher Trainers are placed at Primary Teachers’ Colleges (PTC). They deliver content based instruction in Math, Science, English and/or ICT to pre-service teachers, in addition to training future teachers on best practices for teaching literacy, instructional approaches, innovative instructional materials, engagement strategies, resource room or library development, positive behavior systems and alternative discipline. Teacher Trainers also provide instructional coaching for pre-service teachers during their school practice, small group remedial classes and collaborate departmentally with faculty.
Literacy Specialists are placed at Primary Schools. They work with in-service teachers to build their capacity for literacy instruction by leading professional development on teaching phonemic awareness, alphabetic principle, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. Additionally, they collaborate with Head Teachers to create positive school culture and staff climate, implement resource room or library development, design positive behavior systems and alternative disciplines. Literacy Specialists also implement school-based Reading Intervention programs for early readers. Literacy Specialists serving in Primary Schools implement reading intervention programs, to help support pupils who are reading below grade level, through various approaches including multiple modalities, small group or one to one instruction that supports struggling readers.
There are many opportunities for collaboration across the PTCs and the primary schools. The Education programming staff will also provide support and guidance for Trainees as they determine which role is the best fit.
Children with learning disabilities are often undiagnosed, and learners with physical challenges, visual impairments and deaf or hard of hearing are typically mainstreamed. While we support an inclusion model for these learners, they are often included in the general classroom without modifications and accommodations that help them access learning.
Competitive candidates will meet or exceed the following criteria:
• BA/BS in Secondary Education with concentration in English, TEFL or a foreign language; or
• BA/BS in any discipline with state certification at the secondary level in any discipline (English, TEFL, foreign language, art, or social science); or
• BA/BS in English, TEFL or Linguistics; or
• BA/BS in any discipline with English, foreign language, or literacy tutoring experience with primary school, middle or high school students, or adults.
The following skills or interests will be relevant for this project:
• Tutoring in after school programs
• Prior experience in organizing camps, after school or extracurricular activities
• Background in teaching English as a foreign language
• ICT
• Youth engagement
• Dance, drama, music, physical education, athletic coaching
• Experience working with children who have special needs
There are no pre-requisite language requirements for this position. Please take a moment to explore the Language Comments section below to find out more on how local language(s) will be utilized during service.
English is the language of government systems, exams and instruction after grade 4 in Uganda. Volunteers receive 5 weeks of training in the local language used in his/her assigned community through community based satellite training while living with a Ugandan ‘homestay’ family. The languages are Luganda, Acholi, Dhopadohla, Runyankole-Rukiga, Runyoro-Rutoro, Lugbara for 2014-2016 training group.
Specific language policy for PC Uganda requires that PCVs receive intermediate-low rating on the Language Proficiency Index (LPI) prior to Swearing In. Support, such as extended tutoring once at site, or accommodations/modifications for learners with special needs, are in place to help each Trainee achieve the level of local language proficiency needed for community integration and fulfilling job descriptions. Trainees who achieve above intermediate-low on the LPI receive special distinguishments.
During the Volunteer’s service, he/she will most likely live in a rural/peri urban area in accommodation provided by your College or school. Housing will probably be very modest, but it is often provided at great expense to the school or college and/or community. While it must meet basic Peace Corps housing standards, the Volunteer should come with modest expectations (no electricity, no running water, outdoor bathing areas and pit latrines) and a willingness to happily accept what your school or college has to offer.
The requirements for housing include at least one room big enough to allow space to sleep, cook and bathe, and a secure (likely outdoor!) latrine. Your "house" may be half of a simple duplex built for other staff members of your organization or it may be some other accommodation that your school or college has designated and that Peace Corps staff has approved. In some cases, a Volunteer may have running water or electricity—but this is not the standard. Volunteers will likely use a kerosene lantern or solar lamp and stove. Housing is required to come with some basic furnishings that may be supplemented with the modest settling-in allowance provided by Peace Corps. Please be prepared for living with a host family for four weeks during pre-service training.
Your transportation will be by foot, bicycle, or local public transport. Public transportation is available near most sites, and, in most cases, goes at least twice a day to and from the nearest urban area or trading center. Public transport is likely to be crowded, uncomfortable, and unreliable. You will be provided funds to buy a local bicycle. Due to extreme safety risks, Peace Corps Uganda strictly prohibits the use of motorcycles (boda-bodas) by Volunteers. Similarly, Volunteers are not allowed to drive motor vehicles during their service, no exceptions. If these policies are violated, you will be sent home.
Uganda is a very conservative culture. As outsiders, Volunteers are always under scrutiny and judgment, which deeply impacts community integration and credibility. Accepting to live and work productively in Uganda means adjusting to those cultural norms. Ugandans are interested in visitors, are welcoming and open when they feel mutual respect.
It is important to note that LGBT Volunteers cannot serve openly in Uganda. In 2014, Uganda enacted the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, making homosexuality practices a criminal offence and placing greater visibility on Western visitors. Volunteers are advised to avoid engaging in discussion of this topic in their communities. Currently the bill has been repealed, however attitudes remain the same, and the AHA bill could be reenacted at any time.
Peace Corps staff has received extensive training on LGBT issues, and there is a number of designated staff who can provide confidential support.
The Anti-Pornography Bill (aka the ‘anti-miniskirt bill’) also was passed this year that makes attire, particularly for females, subject to fines and/or imprisonment. After some sensational cases, this bill was rescinded. Regrettably, not all Ugandans are aware of this and some will publicly complain about dress they consider indecent. Education PCVs in Uganda are expected to adhere to the Uganda Teacher Code of Conduct, which specifies dress code, and generally aligns with standards of professional dress we are familiar with in the U.S; knees and shoulders covered for women, button up shirts tucked in, and closed toed shoes for men. Please note that while teaching, women should be prepared to wear dresses and/or skirts, as that is the cultural norm. In Uganda, the way you dress directly reflects the level of respect you give to others.
Uganda is a challenging cultural and physical environment, but the majority of Volunteers are able to adjust and find great satisfaction in their work as Teacher Trainers or Literacy Specialists, build meaningful friendships with host country nationals, and feel rewarded by their service.
Volunteers whose health is maintained with access to care related to the following conditions or sub-specialties may not be able to serve: asthma; cardiology; dermatology; gastroenterology; hematology; ongoing behavioral health support; ophthalmology; seizure disorder; urology.
The following medication(s) are not permitted for legal or cultural reasons: none identified.
Volunteers who should avoid the following food(s) may not be able to serve: eggs and peanuts.
After arrival in Uganda, Peace Corps provides and applicants are required to have an annual flu shot, to take daily or weekly medication to prevent malaria, and to receive mandatory immunizations.
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Project Description
As part of the Primary Literacy Project, Volunteers choose to serve as either a Teacher Trainer or a Literacy Specialist. While both roles utilize approaches to capacity building that include model and co-teaching, assessment, and engagement in national level literacy initiatives, such as National Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) Day, the My Language Spelling Bee or Literacy Month, there are distinct differences in the day to day job activities.
Teacher Trainers are placed at Primary Teachers’ Colleges (PTC). They deliver content based instruction in Math, Science, English and/or ICT to pre-service teachers, in addition to training future teachers on best practices for teaching literacy, instructional approaches, innovative instructional materials, engagement strategies, resource room or library development, positive behavior systems and alternative discipline. Teacher Trainers also provide instructional coaching for pre-service teachers during their school practice, small group remedial classes and collaborate departmentally with faculty.
Literacy Specialists are placed at Primary Schools. They work with in-service teachers to build their capacity for literacy instruction by leading professional development on teaching phonemic awareness, alphabetic principle, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. Additionally, they collaborate with Head Teachers to create positive school culture and staff climate, implement resource room or library development, design positive behavior systems and alternative disciplines. Literacy Specialists also implement school-based Reading Intervention programs for early readers. Literacy Specialists serving in Primary Schools implement reading intervention programs, to help support pupils who are reading below grade level, through various approaches including multiple modalities, small group or one to one instruction that supports struggling readers.
There are many opportunities for collaboration across the PTCs and the primary schools. The Education programming staff will also provide support and guidance for Trainees as they determine which role is the best fit.
Children with learning disabilities are often undiagnosed, and learners with physical challenges, visual impairments and deaf or hard of hearing are typically mainstreamed. While we support an inclusion model for these learners, they are often included in the general classroom without modifications and accommodations that help them access learning.
Required Skills
Competitive candidates will meet or exceed the following criteria:
• BA/BS in Secondary Education with concentration in English, TEFL or a foreign language; or
• BA/BS in any discipline with state certification at the secondary level in any discipline (English, TEFL, foreign language, art, or social science); or
• BA/BS in English, TEFL or Linguistics; or
• BA/BS in any discipline with English, foreign language, or literacy tutoring experience with primary school, middle or high school students, or adults.
Desired Skills
The following skills or interests will be relevant for this project:
• Tutoring in after school programs
• Prior experience in organizing camps, after school or extracurricular activities
• Background in teaching English as a foreign language
• ICT
• Youth engagement
• Dance, drama, music, physical education, athletic coaching
• Experience working with children who have special needs
Required Language Skills
There are no pre-requisite language requirements for this position. Please take a moment to explore the Language Comments section below to find out more on how local language(s) will be utilized during service.
Additional Language Information
English is the language of government systems, exams and instruction after grade 4 in Uganda. Volunteers receive 5 weeks of training in the local language used in his/her assigned community through community based satellite training while living with a Ugandan ‘homestay’ family. The languages are Luganda, Acholi, Dhopadohla, Runyankole-Rukiga, Runyoro-Rutoro, Lugbara for 2014-2016 training group.
Specific language policy for PC Uganda requires that PCVs receive intermediate-low rating on the Language Proficiency Index (LPI) prior to Swearing In. Support, such as extended tutoring once at site, or accommodations/modifications for learners with special needs, are in place to help each Trainee achieve the level of local language proficiency needed for community integration and fulfilling job descriptions. Trainees who achieve above intermediate-low on the LPI receive special distinguishments.
Living Conditions
During the Volunteer’s service, he/she will most likely live in a rural/peri urban area in accommodation provided by your College or school. Housing will probably be very modest, but it is often provided at great expense to the school or college and/or community. While it must meet basic Peace Corps housing standards, the Volunteer should come with modest expectations (no electricity, no running water, outdoor bathing areas and pit latrines) and a willingness to happily accept what your school or college has to offer.
The requirements for housing include at least one room big enough to allow space to sleep, cook and bathe, and a secure (likely outdoor!) latrine. Your "house" may be half of a simple duplex built for other staff members of your organization or it may be some other accommodation that your school or college has designated and that Peace Corps staff has approved. In some cases, a Volunteer may have running water or electricity—but this is not the standard. Volunteers will likely use a kerosene lantern or solar lamp and stove. Housing is required to come with some basic furnishings that may be supplemented with the modest settling-in allowance provided by Peace Corps. Please be prepared for living with a host family for four weeks during pre-service training.
Your transportation will be by foot, bicycle, or local public transport. Public transportation is available near most sites, and, in most cases, goes at least twice a day to and from the nearest urban area or trading center. Public transport is likely to be crowded, uncomfortable, and unreliable. You will be provided funds to buy a local bicycle. Due to extreme safety risks, Peace Corps Uganda strictly prohibits the use of motorcycles (boda-bodas) by Volunteers. Similarly, Volunteers are not allowed to drive motor vehicles during their service, no exceptions. If these policies are violated, you will be sent home.
Uganda is a very conservative culture. As outsiders, Volunteers are always under scrutiny and judgment, which deeply impacts community integration and credibility. Accepting to live and work productively in Uganda means adjusting to those cultural norms. Ugandans are interested in visitors, are welcoming and open when they feel mutual respect.
It is important to note that LGBT Volunteers cannot serve openly in Uganda. In 2014, Uganda enacted the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, making homosexuality practices a criminal offence and placing greater visibility on Western visitors. Volunteers are advised to avoid engaging in discussion of this topic in their communities. Currently the bill has been repealed, however attitudes remain the same, and the AHA bill could be reenacted at any time.
Peace Corps staff has received extensive training on LGBT issues, and there is a number of designated staff who can provide confidential support.
The Anti-Pornography Bill (aka the ‘anti-miniskirt bill’) also was passed this year that makes attire, particularly for females, subject to fines and/or imprisonment. After some sensational cases, this bill was rescinded. Regrettably, not all Ugandans are aware of this and some will publicly complain about dress they consider indecent. Education PCVs in Uganda are expected to adhere to the Uganda Teacher Code of Conduct, which specifies dress code, and generally aligns with standards of professional dress we are familiar with in the U.S; knees and shoulders covered for women, button up shirts tucked in, and closed toed shoes for men. Please note that while teaching, women should be prepared to wear dresses and/or skirts, as that is the cultural norm. In Uganda, the way you dress directly reflects the level of respect you give to others.
Uganda is a challenging cultural and physical environment, but the majority of Volunteers are able to adjust and find great satisfaction in their work as Teacher Trainers or Literacy Specialists, build meaningful friendships with host country nationals, and feel rewarded by their service.
Medical Considerations in Uganda
Friday, February 13, 2015
Medical Pre-Clearance
So because I have asthma (super mild), I have to go through medical pre-clearances. I received the task from MAP last week. I made sure I understood how to go about it, as I was diagnosed by a Nurse Practitioner, and dropped the paperwork off at the clinic here in town last week. I was told I should not have any problem getting it back by early this week. Now I feel like I understand the frustration of medical clearances, all the waiting. I called them on Tuesday or Wednesday to ask for an update on the paperwork, and they said they would check on it and get back to me. It wasn't until this morning that they got back to me, and thankfully it was to tell me the forms were ready for me to pick up. This task only had a two-week window in which to finish it, so I was getting pretty antsy about it. I had planned to call them today after lunch if they hadn't called me. Oh well. Now it's uploaded and I should be good for medical pre-clearances!
Thursday, January 1, 2015
UGANDA!!
I was basically in shock when Mr. Dobert asked me if I would be okay going to Uganda instead of Zambia. I told him it didn't matter where I went because it doesn't, but I'm so much more anxious now than I was. I have so much research to do on this country. Unfortunately, the first things that pop up are about female mutilation and rebel forces, which has my mother and some of my friends scared out of their wits. Now I'm back to the waiting game with nothing to keep me through than my status being moved!
I Finally Had My INTERVIEW!!!
I was sitting in the doctor's office. I didn't want to be there. It's not just that I didn't feel good, but I also didn't want this doctor's visit to prolong things with the Peace Corps. My Facebook browsing was interrupted by a phone call with a 202 area code. Where is that... Then my phone informed me the call was from Washington D. C. I had no idea how to react. All I could think was PEACE CORPS?!?!?! over and over and over. I let it go to voicemail as I was not sure I had enough time to take the call. I couldn't wait, though, to ascertain the caller. I listened to the voicemail; it was Skyler Dobert, asking me to call him back. I had a mini freak out, was diagnosed with gastritis (not that big of a deal), and went to Walmart to pick up some antacid. In the parking lot, I called him back and set up an interview for the next morning at 10:00 am for the Education program in Zambia. My dream come true! I spent the night frantically trying to focus on the questions he had emailed me to answer in the interview. Eventually, I had to go to the church in order to actually focus. It only took me an hour or two, but I had already spent two or three trying to focus.When I came home, I tried to chill out a bit, and went to bed about midnight. I didn't sleep really well, but considering how nervous I was, it was expected. I woke up about 8:00 am even though my alarm was set for 8:30 am. After laying in bed for an hour, I got up to eat breakfast and run through my answers a couple more times.
Generally speaking, it went really well. He started the interview by telling me that I have some kind of medical accommodation that will keep me from leaving until about the end of October. (I think it's the asthma I was diagnosed with about that time this year, but I'm going to check into it to make sure.) Because of this, I am no longer eligible for Zambia, since it leaves in June of 2015. The next program I would be eligible for with my skills and the medical accommodations would be Uganda, leaving end of October, beginning of November. I told him it didn't really matter where I went, and he asked if that timing was okay. It is, so he said we could talk more about it after the interview was over. I had been afraid I wasn't going to be interviewed, so I was glad to hear that I hadn't prepared for an interview for nothing. He began by asking me a few broad "Why do you want to join the Peace Corps?" kind of questions, and then continued to some questions he had emailed me last night. I had no problem with the first set of questions, and generally had no problem with the second either. The only problem I had was with the very first of those questions which was about cross-cultural experience. I was supposed to reference a work or volunteer experience, so having an Iraqi roommate just doesn't count. I stretched a bit on my experience with Hablantes Unidos, tutoring the guys at La Pa and talked about getting to see their culture. Other than fumbling through that, though, I did perfectly fine. The last segment of questions consisted of common concerns, and he asked me to be honest about whether I would be concerned with things like not having modern conveniences or whatever. I had already thought about them as they were on the Peace Corps Wiki site I have read through. The only concerns I really had were about religious differences and acceptance of alcohol. I told him I would be more than willing to adjust, and he told me that it would be covered in pre-service training. After that I was able to to ask him about host families, how they are chosen, and also what a typical day would look like. I would be teaching anywhere from 9-24 hours per week in conjunction with another teacher or principal or something. And I would be able to tell the pre-service training people about my preferences, but normally (in Zambia at least), I would be living in my own hut with a host family as my neighbors or otherwise close. Last, he walked me through the next couple of months. He will put me under consideration for Uganda within the next couple of weeks. If I don't hear from him by the 19th of January, I'm suposed to email him and remind him. (He said he has 400 applications right now, so it's a bit crazy around the office.) Then I have to wait some more. The placement officer won't start looking at applications until March, probably after March 15. Until then, I'm going to start with my medical clearances since they will take longer than normal. He said once he's able to move my application to Uganda, he will notify medical and get things rolling.
So that's how it went! I'm really happy to have it done, and really happy that it went really well. This gives me some time to work this summer (although now the question becomes where to work...) and figure things out with my car and such. I'm not super excited to be leaving later, but I'll still be back before I want to be (before April 2018 to be specific), so it's okay. Now I have so much research to do on Uganda!!
Generally speaking, it went really well. He started the interview by telling me that I have some kind of medical accommodation that will keep me from leaving until about the end of October. (I think it's the asthma I was diagnosed with about that time this year, but I'm going to check into it to make sure.) Because of this, I am no longer eligible for Zambia, since it leaves in June of 2015. The next program I would be eligible for with my skills and the medical accommodations would be Uganda, leaving end of October, beginning of November. I told him it didn't really matter where I went, and he asked if that timing was okay. It is, so he said we could talk more about it after the interview was over. I had been afraid I wasn't going to be interviewed, so I was glad to hear that I hadn't prepared for an interview for nothing. He began by asking me a few broad "Why do you want to join the Peace Corps?" kind of questions, and then continued to some questions he had emailed me last night. I had no problem with the first set of questions, and generally had no problem with the second either. The only problem I had was with the very first of those questions which was about cross-cultural experience. I was supposed to reference a work or volunteer experience, so having an Iraqi roommate just doesn't count. I stretched a bit on my experience with Hablantes Unidos, tutoring the guys at La Pa and talked about getting to see their culture. Other than fumbling through that, though, I did perfectly fine. The last segment of questions consisted of common concerns, and he asked me to be honest about whether I would be concerned with things like not having modern conveniences or whatever. I had already thought about them as they were on the Peace Corps Wiki site I have read through. The only concerns I really had were about religious differences and acceptance of alcohol. I told him I would be more than willing to adjust, and he told me that it would be covered in pre-service training. After that I was able to to ask him about host families, how they are chosen, and also what a typical day would look like. I would be teaching anywhere from 9-24 hours per week in conjunction with another teacher or principal or something. And I would be able to tell the pre-service training people about my preferences, but normally (in Zambia at least), I would be living in my own hut with a host family as my neighbors or otherwise close. Last, he walked me through the next couple of months. He will put me under consideration for Uganda within the next couple of weeks. If I don't hear from him by the 19th of January, I'm suposed to email him and remind him. (He said he has 400 applications right now, so it's a bit crazy around the office.) Then I have to wait some more. The placement officer won't start looking at applications until March, probably after March 15. Until then, I'm going to start with my medical clearances since they will take longer than normal. He said once he's able to move my application to Uganda, he will notify medical and get things rolling.
So that's how it went! I'm really happy to have it done, and really happy that it went really well. This gives me some time to work this summer (although now the question becomes where to work...) and figure things out with my car and such. I'm not super excited to be leaving later, but I'll still be back before I want to be (before April 2018 to be specific), so it's okay. Now I have so much research to do on Uganda!!
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Zambia?!
I've known about my shot in the dark for Zambia for less than 12 hours, and I'm already overrun with emotion. Obviously, I'm incredibly excited. This could be exactly what I was hoping for. Or it could not be. I could have to deal with all kinds of things in Zambia I wasn't ready for. Like the heartbreak brought about by this article. From all the research I've done (which honestly hasn't been a lot today since I'm trying to pack to go back to Kirksville), Zambia is a pretty good country to live in. They're just incredibly poor. The people seem to have decided that's the only way to live their lives. That's how it's been for years on end, so why would they change it? At least that's what I took away from the aforementioned article.
Am I getting in too far over my head? This is seriously the only thing I want to do, but am I really prepared to purposely put myself in a position of loneliness? Of being the outsider? If I'm not, why does everything feel so right?
I have so much to pray about, and all from one short email. :)
Am I getting in too far over my head? This is seriously the only thing I want to do, but am I really prepared to purposely put myself in a position of loneliness? Of being the outsider? If I'm not, why does everything feel so right?
I have so much to pray about, and all from one short email. :)
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Timeline
June 28, 2014 Submitted application
June 28, 2014 Submitted health form
June 28, 2014 Submitted health form
Worry, worry, worry, worry, worry....
July 22, 2014 References emailed
July 28, 2014 References responded
July 28, 2014 References responded
Worry, worry, worry, worry, worry, worry, worry, worry, worry, worry, worry....
August 8, 2014 Received an email from Peace Corps Zambia, Application Under Review, leaving June 2015!
Zambia Wikipedia
Zambia World Factbook
Zambia on The BBC
Zambia on The Lonely Planet
Zambia's Official Website
September 2, 2014 Requested an update
September 10, 2014 "I will not start reviewing applications for your program until Oct after the apply by date has passed for that program. I will finish all of my evaluation by end of December."
Doubt my ability to do this job should I get it
Hate myself for applying but obviously not being qualified enough (which isn't even true, brain!)
November 17, 2014 Requested an update
Zambia Wikipedia
Zambia World Factbook
Zambia on The BBC
Zambia on The Lonely Planet
Zambia's Official Website
September 2, 2014 Requested an update
September 10, 2014 "I will not start reviewing applications for your program until Oct after the apply by date has passed for that program. I will finish all of my evaluation by end of December."
Doubt my ability to do this job should I get it
Hate myself for applying but obviously not being qualified enough (which isn't even true, brain!)
November 18, 2014 "I will be reviewing applications over the next two months for the Zambia program. The latest you will hear back from me is the beginning of January but I should reaching out to most people at the start of December. The training class will be around 70 people so I will be issuing invitations regularly until January."
November 29, 2014 Started a Peace Corps wishlist on Amazon
Because I just can't wait
November 29, 2014 Started a Peace Corps wishlist on Amazon
Because I just can't wait
Stress level though the roof
Issues focusing on school because this is all I want
Bring myself back to reality, remembering that these grades will matter for Peace Corps too
wait wait wait wait
December 28, 2014 Six months since submitted application, anxious to hear something
December 30, 2014 CALL FROM DC NUMBER WHILE IN DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT
Peace Corps' Skyler Dobert asking to set up an interview
Set up interview for next morning at 10:00 am my time
December 31, 2014 Interview went well, but opened with change in consideration due to medical accommodation, now being considered for Uganda, November 2015
Uganda Wikipedia
Uganda World Factbook
Uganda on The BBC
Uganda on The Lonely Planet
Uganda Official Website
January 2, 2015 Contacted OMS to find out about my medical accommodation and ask if I should try to get appointments this week
January , 2015 Finally THINK I got everything figured out with OMS. Accommodation is pretty much for sure asthma
January 21, 2015 Emailed Mr. Dobert to remind him to put me Under Consideration for Uganda and contact medical
January 30, 2015 Emailed Mr. Dobert again
February 2, 2015 Received an email from OMS basically telling me to check my email because I will be receiving tasks soon
February 3, 2015 Received an email from Mr. Dobert informing me that I'm 100% officially Under Consideration for Uganda! Should be receiving an email from them an OMS soon (had already received the one from OMS)
February 5, 2015 Asthma Evaluation task added to MAP. Now I have to figure out how to go back to the clinic to get this form filled out without paying $100 for it
February 6, 2015 Dropped off forms at the clinic to have filled out
February 13, 2015 Picked up forms and uploaded them to MAP
February 18, 2015 Medically Pre-Cleared!!
February 24, 2015 Emailed Peace Corps Uganda to introduce myself and request an update
March 3, 2014 Received an email from Monica Schnelle, the PO for Uganda, "I have not yet begun reviewing the Uganda programs, as I am finishing filling a program that leaves in the summer. I will begin reviewing applications in mid-March. I will review applications before the Apply By Date; however, in most cases, I will not begin issuing invitations until all applicants have had the chance to submit their application, which would be after the apply by date."
March (throughout the month) Meeting other people UC for Uganda. Everyone is so nice! I feel underqualified, though...
April 2, 2015 INVITE SEASON HAS BEGUN
April 6, 2015 Joined PC/Uganda (UC and onward) group on Facebook
Found out invites will probably not start going out until the "end of April"
April 28, 2015 INVITES HAVE STARTED GOING OUT
Freak out, almost break down, recover... It'll be okay.
Nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing...
May 20, 2015 INVITE RECEIVED. I REPEAT! INVITE. RECEIVED!!!!!!!!!!!
May 22, 2015 Legal clearances email sent, expecting the package in two weeks or less
May 26, 2015 Emailed Staging because my MAP status had not yet changed, thus no tasks populated
Finished all Learning Space "classes"
Submitted updated resume and aspiration statement
June 1, 2015 MAP email finally received, dental clearances on MAP
Tasks slowly filter in
July, 7-9, 2015 ALL THE DOCTORS' APPOINTMENTS, so many holes in my arms...
July 10, 2015 All tasks except for dental exam submitted
July 31, 2015 Begin getting tasks sent back because they were apparently incomplete
Frustrated, frustrating, oh well, that's life
August 10-11, 2015 More doctors' appointments, more holes
August 12, 2015 Submitted all tasks!!! (The first time, the exciting time....)
Back and forth with tasks
August 17, 2015 FINAL MEDICAL CLEARANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
wait wait wait wait
December 28, 2014 Six months since submitted application, anxious to hear something
December 30, 2014 CALL FROM DC NUMBER WHILE IN DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT
Peace Corps' Skyler Dobert asking to set up an interview
Set up interview for next morning at 10:00 am my time
December 31, 2014 Interview went well, but opened with change in consideration due to medical accommodation, now being considered for Uganda, November 2015
Uganda Wikipedia
Uganda World Factbook
Uganda on The BBC
Uganda on The Lonely Planet
Uganda Official Website
January 2, 2015 Contacted OMS to find out about my medical accommodation and ask if I should try to get appointments this week
January , 2015 Finally THINK I got everything figured out with OMS. Accommodation is pretty much for sure asthma
January 21, 2015 Emailed Mr. Dobert to remind him to put me Under Consideration for Uganda and contact medical
January 30, 2015 Emailed Mr. Dobert again
February 2, 2015 Received an email from OMS basically telling me to check my email because I will be receiving tasks soon
February 3, 2015 Received an email from Mr. Dobert informing me that I'm 100% officially Under Consideration for Uganda! Should be receiving an email from them an OMS soon (had already received the one from OMS)
February 5, 2015 Asthma Evaluation task added to MAP. Now I have to figure out how to go back to the clinic to get this form filled out without paying $100 for it
February 6, 2015 Dropped off forms at the clinic to have filled out
February 13, 2015 Picked up forms and uploaded them to MAP
February 18, 2015 Medically Pre-Cleared!!
February 24, 2015 Emailed Peace Corps Uganda to introduce myself and request an update
March 3, 2014 Received an email from Monica Schnelle, the PO for Uganda, "I have not yet begun reviewing the Uganda programs, as I am finishing filling a program that leaves in the summer. I will begin reviewing applications in mid-March. I will review applications before the Apply By Date; however, in most cases, I will not begin issuing invitations until all applicants have had the chance to submit their application, which would be after the apply by date."
March (throughout the month) Meeting other people UC for Uganda. Everyone is so nice! I feel underqualified, though...
April 2, 2015 INVITE SEASON HAS BEGUN
April 6, 2015 Joined PC/Uganda (UC and onward) group on Facebook
Found out invites will probably not start going out until the "end of April"
April 28, 2015 INVITES HAVE STARTED GOING OUT
Freak out, almost break down, recover... It'll be okay.
Nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing...
May 20, 2015 INVITE RECEIVED. I REPEAT! INVITE. RECEIVED!!!!!!!!!!!
May 22, 2015 Legal clearances email sent, expecting the package in two weeks or less
May 26, 2015 Emailed Staging because my MAP status had not yet changed, thus no tasks populated
Finished all Learning Space "classes"
Submitted updated resume and aspiration statement
June 1, 2015 MAP email finally received, dental clearances on MAP
Tasks slowly filter in
July, 7-9, 2015 ALL THE DOCTORS' APPOINTMENTS, so many holes in my arms...
July 10, 2015 All tasks except for dental exam submitted
July 31, 2015 Begin getting tasks sent back because they were apparently incomplete
Frustrated, frustrating, oh well, that's life
August 10-11, 2015 More doctors' appointments, more holes
August 12, 2015 Submitted all tasks!!! (The first time, the exciting time....)
Back and forth with tasks
August 17, 2015 FINAL MEDICAL CLEARANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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